A Fair to Remember

Canadays of Montana #1

by Barbara Ankrum

Twelve years ago, equestrian Olympic hopeful Olivia Canaday and her best friend, Jake Lassen, made a pinky-swear promise to reunite at the Big Marietta Fair on her thirtieth birthday and marry each other if they were both still single. But that was before they grew up and went their separate ways.

Now, after a disastrous divorce and a career-changing accident, Olivia limps home, minus her mojo, her courage and her faith in love. She retreats to her parents’ ranch, determined to play it safe, but when ex-Army helicopter pilot Jake Lassen arrives to make good on their promise, he reignites passion and hope, two things Olivia had forgotten existed.

Olivia resolves to keep Jake at arm’s length, even though the memory of his kisses keeps her up at night. She knows better than to let her heart get involved, but Jake is planning for the future. Their future. Can Jake convince her to risk it all one more time and really make this a fair to remember?

Montana Born Fair Series
Book 1: Beauty and the Cowboy by Nancy Robards Thompson
Book 2: Cowgirl Come Home by Debra Salonen
Book 3: For Love of a Cowboy by Yvonne Lindsay
Book 4: Her Summer Cowboy by Katherine Garbera
Book 5: A Fair to Remember by Barbara Ankrum

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Amazon

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2014

About the author

Barbara Ankrum grew up in Upstate New York, training to be a ballerina, but secretly dreaming of being an actress. Her first fangirl crush on Haley Mills led her to practice her British accent on unsuspecting store clerks, and she dreamed of co-starring in the remake of THE MOONSPINNERS. Because she was also a compulsive reader, she discovered that the film was based on a book by the fabulous Mary Stewart, which led to Barbara's lifelong obsession with romantic fiction.

Since Haley Mills was, sadly, not in the market for a co-star, Barbara pursued a degree in English Literature from the University of Tennessee. And when that degree, predictably, led to unemployment, she pulled up her socks and moved to Hollywood where she built a career as a successful commercial actress while raising two amazing (now grown) children with her sweet husband.

Writing romance came naturally from all that reading and the down time between auditions. Once she sold her first book, she said farewell to Hollywood-Land and never looked back. In between writing novels, she got her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard and optioned a few screenplays. But her first love is, and always will be, romance.

Barbara's emotional, character driven, adventurous historicals (Wild Western Hearts series), her sexy, romantic suspense for Harlequin and her funny, heartwarming contemporaries for Tule Publishing, offer a little something for everyone. Twice nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award, and her contemporary romance, Holiday Hearts, was made into a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Christmas movie! Today, she lives in Texas with her husband and a scruffy, adorable rescue dog.

Please visit her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara.ankr...
Website: www.barbaraankrum.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BarbaraAnkrum

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another winner from Tule Publishing, set in Marietta, Montana and involving many of the characters I’ve read in other books by this and other authors set in this brilliant location. Olivia Canaday left the town twelve years ago hoping to be an equestrian competitor in the Olympics. Before she left, she and her best friend, Jake Lassen, promised to reunite at the Big Marietta Fair on her thirtieth birthday and, if they were both single, for them then to marry. She’s returned now after an abusive mariage ruined her self confidence and a serious riding accident meant she no longer rides, though she does still train horses and other riders. Jake left, too, but he joined the Army where he was a rescue helicopter pilot. He’s never married and yes, he does turn up at the Fair . . . but she’s sworn off men and never plans to marry again. He’s also had a traumatic time in Afghanistan but it is only thoughts of Olivia that have helped pull him through. Can they put the past behind them and take a second chance on love together? They’re both seriously attracted to each other but can Jake convince her to trust him and his love?

Olivia is a strong character who recognises the impact of her ex-husband’s emotional abuse and is determined to recover her own independence, confidence and resilience on her own and isn’t looking for more than friendship - or that’s what she keeps telling herself! Jake is so caring and patient! This is a heartwarming story, a brilliant second chance romance involving recovery, determination, resilience and true love. It is a great addition to the Marietta novels and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys escaping into a delightful romance with humour, turmoil, angst and, of course, a brilliant ending!

If you haven't read anything by this author or in this series, now's the time to do so as the ebook is currently free on online booksellers!

[Inna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. This story felt extremely incomplete. It's a bonus borrow on Hoopla this month, so I gave it a shot. While I generally liked this author's writing style, I feel like she didn't spend enough time on character development or conflict resolution. The ending felt so abrupt that I was honestly shocked that the book had finished. I had to re-listen to the last few minutes, thinking I had missed something.

This is a friends to lovers and second chance romance. The hero and heroine were best friends in high school who were supposedly into each other but never took any steps to be with one another because both were always with other people. Ahh, so romantic. 😍😍😍 Anyways, the hero and heroine do kiss finally in high school, but then the hero leaves almost immediately after. The why of this was soooo confusing because supposedly both felt SO MUCH during that kiss that they both thought about it frequently over the next years when they are separated. The hero joins the Marines and the heroine goes on to get married to a guy who is a villain, but exactly why he was a villain was also never fully explained to me. Luckily, she divorces him right before the start of this story, and becomes the town's pity case just because she's divorced.

Then, even after they are reunited at the start of this book, the heroine still pushes the hero away for some dumb unclear reasons. He tries for about a minute with her, but then gives up and leaves town. She realizes she's made a mistake, but it's too late. No one owns a phone, so it's impossible to get in contact with him when he's crossed state lines. BUT OMG wait, he's back. They kiss and make up in a very public way and THE END. Literally though, what the fuck? I'm already questioning my rating.


SWE; no virgins, years long separation with both having other partners (while both wanting to be with each other). Heroine gets married and her ex husband causes some drama, no scenes with om/ow, no cheating, no ow drama. While the sex is on page, it's not steamy, and the language used seemed to really minimize what was happening as much as possible.

[Jen_C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Yee-Haw stars. I really enjoyed this trip to the Marietta Fair.


“I can’t believe you,” she muttered.
“What can’t you believe? That I’d want to protect you? Or that I just kicked your ex-husband’s ass and enjoyed it?”

“I need to say this. Whether you think I’m crazy, or it’s too fast or… whatever. I know. I want you. I’ve spent the last twelve years wanting you.” He spread his arms wide. “There it is. That’s it, right there on the table. I want to spend every day with you for the rest of my life. I want to sleep next to you, make love to you, make a family with you. And, yeah, I want to protect you and save you and I want you to do the same for me. Because that’s what two people who love each other do. I think. Tell me if I’m wrong. If I am, then I’m flat wrong about everything.”

[Suzie Quint · Rating 1 out of 5]

Took too long to really go anywhere. Lost interest at 47%

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way this book started with two teens making a pinky-swear promise to meet on the girl's 30th birthday and marry each other if they were both still single. That was so cute. But when Jake goes to the meeting spot and finds out Olivia is there on a date, he takes off. Shocked that Jake actually remembered their promise and showed up, Olivia runs after him and explains that her date was set up by her sisters without her knowledge. With that straightened out, they start spending time together picking up where they left off 12 years earlier as best friends.

Both of them have a lot of baggage and changed lots over the years. Olivia was an excellent rider and made the US Olympic Equestrian Team. Life was good until an accident took her confidence making her not want to ride again. She is also emotionally scarred thanks to her abusive ex-husband. Olivia went back home to her parents' ranch to basically hide from life. Jake had been a helicopter pilot in the military but a crash sent him to the hospital and then home. He was definitely not the boy Olivia remembered. And he didn't want to be just friends and never had.

This is an enjoyable romance between two people who have had some very hard things to deal with in their lives. They help each other see that they are braver and stronger than they thought they were. It was sweet that they both wanted more than friendship but hesitated in letting the other know. I was rooting for them to get together. As for the characters, I liked all of them in this story. Well except a couple who I really didn't like at all.

I recommend A Cowboy to Remember if you enjoy sweet friends-to-lovers stories.

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had such a great time at the Marietta Fair and Barbara has just provided an Amazing addition to the experience!
Loved Olivia and Jake! Life had delivered her some powerful blows and although Isolation was her first instinct, Olivia was determined to fix what was broken about her and move forward! I loved her strength - "Do or do not. There is no try." And then there was Jake - "I came back for you, Olivia. For the possibility of us." (sigh) He's SO sexy and sweet and romantic and protective!
With just the right amount of humor and outstanding characters and SO beautifully written, I fell in love with it all. I could not put the book down because it just made me so happy reading it! Was my first book by Barbara Ankrum and I can't wait to read more!


Love this qoute:
"Grown men and women cannot be friends. Because in the sage words of Billy Crystal's Harry to Meg Ryan's Sally, 'the sex part always gets in the way.'

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake and Olivia grew up together as best friends. A hot kiss as teens and a promise that if neither is attached by her 30th birthday they would marry each other.
Fast forward years later and the attraction is still strong but they both have their own issues they are getting through that holds them back.
A little angsty but a feel good story and HEA.

It took me a good chapter to get used to the third person point of view which is just different than what I am used to reading.
It was an enjoyable story but many places were jumpy and inconsistent. Another’s character’s name will come into the scene and makes you question if you missed them being there to begin with which is not the case. Or a character is introduced as Mrs.... then changes to their first name only in reference of making it sound like a different character. Just confusing. This is what mainly caused the lower rating.
If you can get past those inconsistencies then you will enjoy the overall book. I didn’t regret it but I was happy it was over.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/31/2020)! 🎁

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.

This is a heartwarming story about two people who are lost and help each other find themselves and the love they have always shared. Olivia and Jake were best friends growing up, until "the kiss". They parted ways: Jake into the Armed Forces and Olivia into a disastrous marriage.

Now they are both back in Marietta, at the Fair, where they promised to meet at age 30 and get married if they weren't already married to other people. But misunderstandings and missed opportunities rule the night they are to meet at the Fair.

It doesn't take long for Jake to realize something is very wrong with his love. Not only had Olivia been in a terrible marriage but she had also been in a riding accident. Olivia too sees beneath the thin veneer of normalcy into Jake's demons.

As Olivia battles her demons, she struggles against her love for Jake. It takes some serious courage to work through it all and come together.

My big complaint about this book was that Jake suffers from PTSD. We get glimpses of it now and then but it is never addressed by either character. I'd have liked to see that get some attention instead of so much of the focus being on Olivia and her issues.

Note: This is definitely a mild book - little to no sex and few details.

[Michelle Delena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing that it was not a serious novel. In fact, that’s why I picked it. I’d been reading a lot of serious books and wanted a light,fun read that didn’t require deep thought. So I was expecting the boy-meets-girl, boy-and-girl fall in love, boy-and girl have problems, boy-and-girl overcome problems and live happily ever after plot line. That’s not my issue with the book. My issue with the book is the poor writing and editing. In parts, it seems the author runs out of words and just repeats herself. And there are multiple instances of editing issues-sentences that have extra words that don’t belong, spelling errors etc.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mindless free download that got me through waiting in long lines at Universal Studios... more of a novella than an actual novel, so characters were underdeveloped/simplistic and the plot was one- dimensional. But the premise of teen best friends promising to be each other's "back-up plan" at 30 if they weren't married was kind of fun. Still, Barely 3 stars.

[Sumit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Olivia and Jake is great!! I will not say more, don't want to spoil your 'reading-it' time, which will indeed turn out to be quiet fulfilling when it comes to the plot and the evolution of characters. It is believable!! :)

[Kaylaisapple13 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable

A fun quick read but not enough drama , all romance which is great but slightly boring for me. Wanted note from it.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Lovin'A Cowboy Romance

Sometimes as teens or young kids we instinctively know a whole lot more than we do as reasoning, logical adults. Jake and Olivia make a good example. Best friends both pinky swore that if they weren’t married, hadn’t found that special someone by her 30th birthday then they’d meet at the Marietta Fair and marry each other. It’s true that they each did move away from Marietta, make life choices and lived lives away from each other. Yet… life happened, and they both are now back home. And it’s time for the Marietta Fair… and they’re both there, maybe with a slight misunderstanding that’s quickly straightened out… but still, they’re both there, and they remember that old promise. Jake intends to make it come true.

Olivia’s life is far different from back when she made that promise to Jake. She moved away from home, got married… and that was the biggest mistake of her life. Now she’s divorced, holding on to memories of an abusive man who won’t seem to let go, and dealing with the aftereffects of an accident that changed the course of her dream career. Where at one time she expected to ride her horses in the Olympics, now she’s training horses and other riders to see their dreams come true. She’s a very different woman from the girl Jake knew years ago in many ways … and yet, that bright, hopeful girl is still there, buried deep under the abuse, the pain, the disappointments of life. And Jake is determined to show her that girl again, because he’s here to make good on a promise, one that means everything to him.

Jake also left home years ago to join the Army as a helicopter rescue pilot. His tours of duty taught him a lot about life and what he wants from it. Now returning home, Jake is ready to make good on a childhood promise to the girl he’s loved since that day they made a pinky vow. He’s back for Olivia, and even though life has happened for them both he’s determined to show Olivia that theirs is a love worth trusting in, if she’d only take one more risk… on him.

A Cowboy to Remember (previously titled A Fair to Remember) is a touching romance between two people who belong together in spite of what life has tossed at them when they were apart. I hurt for them both, in different ways but we’re made up of what life tosses at us, and we survive, become the person we are today. Jake’s determination, his love for Olivia… and yeah, his standing up to and dealing with her abusive ex-husband made him a hero in my eyes. I enjoyed their story very much, and would definitely recommend it to any reader who loves a good romance, interesting characters and a happy ending that is well deserved.

This title has been available in a few options in the years since it was first published – as part of the Big Marietta Fair series, part of the Mother’s Day Romance Bundle II that was a limited edition, and now as the opening story in The Canadays of Montana series under a slightly different title. I mention all of that because you might have this title in a different form, so check your memory and your library for this one.

I own a Kindle edition of this story in a couple forms myself.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve years earlier they made a promise to one another that if they were both single, they would both meet at the county fair at the Ferris Wheel. Now here she was, Olivia Canaday at the Big Marietta Fair on a blind date with a man set up by her sisters. To a guy who lost his “shut the hell up button”, talking about himself. Now she was hiding out in the bathroom trying to figure out how to sneak out without him noticing. Being a little tipsy, which made sense since she had just exceeded her two-beer limit with a third one. Don’t judge.

But could you blame her? He pulled out a photo of himself from the Copper Mountain Courier, where generously reenacted the pose. She wasn’t supposed to be there she wasn't ready. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been kissed by someone she wanted to kiss. Even though she’d sworn off men and marriage, and anything to do with relationships, a fluttering curl of want settled down low in her belly. At the thought of such intimacy, reminding her that some little part of the person she used to be still had a pulse.

Sadly, only one memorable, toe-curling smooch came to mind when she allowed herself to think of such things. And her ex-husband of five years had nothing to do with it. No, the one she had in mind was the kiss that always came to her in the middle of a sleepless night, or as she watched the dark water of a river slide across a deep, trout-filled pool, or, honestly, whenever she thought of kissing at all. But if she were, it would be for... The one that got away. Because she was supposed to meet Jake Lassen. When she came out of the bathroom guess who Peter was talking to?

Yup, but by the time she got to him, Jake had gone into the crowd, and it wasn’t until she was roped into riding the Ferris wheel that he told her he had run into Jake who was waiting for a girl. Let's just say a text went out to her sister and she was on thin ice, and they had to go, NOW! She knew she wanted him back in her life she didn't know how much and how fast. They both had demons to slay from their past. Fast and compact story of survivors. Good story.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book to read. These two people were friends for a very long time. Knew each others families. Had gone to high school together. But somehow let others and events get in the way of coming together. They both had a huge connection to each other; but didn't seem to know how to communicate that to one another.

They finally come together. The meet up based on a promise they had made to one another at the Big Marietta Fair. Jake remember the promise and pursued it. Olivia remembered it but dismissed it until running into Jake at the fair.

Both are broken. Olivia had gone through a nightmare of a marriage as well as a horse riding accident and was having trust issues mostly with herself. Jake had issues too stemming from his time in the military.

I am retired Air Force. And I know for a fact that helicopter pilots both Army and Air Force had more casualties and were taken as prisoners of war more than any other service members involved in aerial operations. I know this was true especially for Vietnam. I know personally many people like Jake Lassen that had to deal with similar issues and I knew a few that didn't make it out of the war.

However finally Jake and Olivia are able to deal with their issues and come together. A very enjoyable read. I would like to read more of her books. Barbara Ankrum is a very good author.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was free via BookBub.

When I read that this had one of my favourite tropes - the childhood pact - I had to give it a go. Surprisingly, it was much sweeter than I expected once I left the now famous cynical old bitch hat hanging on the coat rack.

Olivia Canaday is an Olympic standard equestrian who hasn't ridden a horse in years - her confidence has been shaken by both an accident and a bad marriage and divorce.

Jake Lassen is a cowboy and helicopter pilot who has served time in Afghanistan and now returned to the small Montana town of Marietta after 12 years.

Jake and Olivia were childhood best friends who promised each other they'd get together when they turned 30 if they were both still single. For the first time in their lives, they're both single at the same time - but are either of them the same person after so long? Are either of them ready for what the other has to offer?

This was sweet, sexy, and just long enough (that's what she said, fnar fnar). Some of the "big strong soldier" stuff did get a little too much at times, but I really liked Olivia and I liked how she wasn't a damsel in distress. This was a happy surprise, and one I'd gladly re-read were I in the humour for a palate cleanser in between heavier books. A lovely way to spend a cold morning.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Twelve years ago, equestrian Olympic hopeful Olivia Canaday and her best friend, Jake Lassen, made a pinky-swear promise to reunite at the Big Marietta Fair on her thirtieth birthday and marry each other if they were both still single. But that was before they grew up and went their separate ways.

Now, after a disastrous divorce and a career-changing accident, Olivia limps home, minus her mojo, her courage and her faith in love. She retreats to her parents’ ranch, determined to play it safe, but when ex-Army helicopter pilot Jake Lassen arrives to make good on their promise, he reignites passion and hope, two things Olivia had forgotten existed.

Olivia resolves to keep Jake at arm’s length, even though the memory of his kisses keeps her up at night. She knows better than to let her heart get involved, but Jake is planning for the future. Their future. Can Jake convince her to risk it all one more time and really make this a fair to remember?

*Previously titled A Fair to Remember"

The plot was interesting and I enjoyed it! First book by this author. Also, I listened to the audiobook but the option wasn't available to choose that format on here.

[Brandan WH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite right

Olivia is back home after a number of set backs. Her marriage is over and her career as a celebrated horse back rider is on pause. So, she’s home from her life in NY to reset. She doesn’t expect to come face to face with her past by means of her best friend, Jake.
Jake is also back home after a career in the service. He’s starting a new business venture up he’s also here to see if a bet he and Olivia talked about is still on. That is, if both were unattached when they turned 30, they would meet at the county fair and determine if they should be in a relationship.
Cute idea, right? Well, mostly it works except I didn’t much care for Olivia. I tried to empathize for her as she is coming out of a demoralizing relationship but she was too wishy-washy for my taste. Jake was very clear on his wants, even with his baggage, and it wasn’t until the latter part of the book that Olivia got it together.
For me, it was the surrounding cast of family members and friends that kept me interested. Interested enough to put the next book in my queue!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Canada’s
Jake Lassen

12 years earlier Jake and Olivia made a pinkie-swear that on Olivia’s 30th birthday they would meet up at the Marietta Fair by the Ferris wheel and be each other’s fall back person. Now 12 years later Olivia is back living at home after a bad divorce and a bad horse riding accident and Jake who has been a helicopter rescue pilot in the military is back. This is a very good fast reading book. I liked Olivia because she was strong enough to get out of her marriage, recover from her accident and go forth with her life. I liked Jake because he came back to be with Olivia not knowing how it would turn out. He showed a vulnerability as he worked on his own recovery from the helicopter accident he was in that lead to him getting out of the military, but yet he still wanted to protect and care for Olivia. I would definitely read more books by this author and read more books in this series.

[Ashante Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Jake & Olivia): TRIGGERS: PTSD, Domestic Violence. This book is a slow burn. I love the concept though; two best friends make a pact that they would return to their home town on their 30th birthday and if both of them were free, they would marry each other. It's kind of a second chance romance. Olivia is an Olympic horseback rider now teaching others to ride after a bad divorce. Jake is an army veteran. Their backstories of what happened after they graduated high school is equally devastating but you can tell that the chemistry they had as friends was so strong that it stood the test of time. There's also a little hint of something more that they obviously hid from each other. You have small town vibes with the typical small town gossip which is at times frustrating but most times hilarious. The book did end up being good. Glad I hung in there. 

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Lassen and Olivia Canaday spent their childhood and shared memories as best of friends. However, after a separation of twelve years and being battered and traumatized by life events, they were left trying to redefine the attraction they felt for each other and figure out if there was enough feelings left to keep them together. This remarkable romance was such an emotional journey for both of these amazing characters. The courage it took for Jake and Olivia to face their fears and continue to move toward each other, flaws and all, was impressive. I found myself silently cheering them on and praying they wouldn't lose hope and giveup . I Loved This Story! It Was So Touching! Great Read!!!!!!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

free ebook
they were friends in school, he went off to war, a helicopter pilot. she got married to the wrong man, divorced and moved back home. they made a pact if they were both free on her 30th birthday they would marry. they were to meet at the fair by the ferris ride. she was there on a blind date and he showed up, she just missed him trying to figure out how to dump her date, but found him in the bar

they spent the night together at his uncles house.
she had a horse riding accident and hadnt ridden since, but was forced back on the horse when the girl that was supposed to ride for the fair got sick and he showed up and they were going to be together from then on

[Denise Vasak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was short, but it hit all the big notes. So there was some finessing that could have gone on and some smoother transitions, but the crux of the emotion and what you want in a romance was there. There's not a lot of hot and heavy so if you want really descriptive passages, this may not be the book for you. However, the pull was there and you were rooting for the main characters.

Of course some problems were solved WAY too quickly and others weren't resolved at all so there's room to see this couple in another book which I'm hoping is what happens.

[Sleepless · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable and compelling tale!

A sweet contemporary romance set in Montana! Jake and Olivia have endured heartbreak, pain, loss and suffering! They are delightful together and I rooted for them to recognize their forever love!
I enjoyed that Barbara Ankrum didn't bombard the reader with redundant angst that lengthens the book but bores the reader! A Cowboy to Remember moved in a straight forward direction as the backstories flowed together and brought Olivia and Jake to their HEA!
A quick and easy fall season read!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The simplicity of Olivia and Jake's story appealed to me whilst reading and made the book enjoyable. These two old friends have been in love for years but timing was never on their side. Circumstances and a kept promise to meet again on Olivia's birthday has brought them back into one another's life. They still want each other but she's sworn off men & marriage so their old promise may not happen. Jake however has had years to think about what he wants out of life and now they're both single he's not going to give up on her. Their romance was sweet and made for an easy read.

[Jean Katchmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia and Jake were HS best friends until they kissed after their graduation party. But she messed it up and a few weeks later Jake joins the Army. He becomes a pilot in Afghanistan and sees more than he cares to remember. After he and his crew are shot down he leaves the Army and comes back home. Olivia and Jake had promised that when they turned 30 if they were still single, then they would find each other and marry. Olivia goes to the fair on a blind date on her 30th birthday and Jake shows up finding out she is with someone. He leaves and later she finds him in town. He returns to her the pink quartz elephant she had given him and tells her it was his good luck charm to get him back home. Can they have a second chance? Will Olivia ever ride a horse again? Lots to discover as you read their story.

[Alethia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Olivia are getting a second chance and they so deserve it. Both have had rough things in their life that have led them to this spot. I loved that we got some backstory to help us understand where both characters were coming from. Marrietta books always leave you feeling happy at the end and this was no different. If you like cowboys, horses, and military guys, this book will hit the spot for you.

[Robert Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength, Independence and love.

I like "A Cowboy to Remember" because of how smoothly the story flow's and how the characters are flawlessly brought into the story.
The story shows people with strong personalities yet soft enough to love another and to make themselves vulnerable because of that love.
I can see myself recommending this book to anyone I know that reads contemporary western romance books.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

I’ll start by saying that if I could have given 4 1/2 stars I would have. A bit more editing is needed - then I’d up it to 5 stars. This is a wonderful book that honestly deals with conquering fear, and not letting it rule ones life. The author skillfully wove the plot, and the ending was perfect...Not a cliffhanger, like so many authors do to get you to buy the next book. Kudos to Ms. Ankrum!